How to Get the Most out of Your Library Reading Goal This Year

A few thoughts and tips on a happy library reading life from a girl who visited the library way too much in 2023

Nothing says January like shiny new goals, and it probably won’t surprise you that one of my favorite ways to channel that “new year, new me” energy is my reading life. I still need to finalize my personal list of intentions and priorities for 2024 reading (preview: FUN is the centerpiece this year), but I’ve enjoyed checking out many other readers’ resolutions in the meantime. And this year, more than any other I can remember, an exciting theme emerged: SO MANY people are aiming to use the library more this year.

I’m not sure if it’s the book banning drama driving more readers to support their libraries, or a reaction to pricy holiday gift and travel spending, but I am over the moon about the renewed focus on library reading for 2024. Library books have formed the core of my reading for years, and frankly, there’s no way I would read as much or have nearly as many satisfying bookish experiences without the library. In 2023, I read 71 books and 59 of them were from the library. I do sometimes purchase copies of books that I love for my shelves, but I wouldn’t have known that I love the book without that initial, trusty library copy! [Also a quick caveat: I love buying books, supporting bookstores and authors, and filling my home shelves, too. I’m certainly not trying to discourage anyone from doing just that, as much as you please!]

So here are my thoughts, both practical and more philosophical, for embracing the library reading life in 2024.

Experiment Freely

One of my absolute favorite parts of library reading is the extra room it leaves for experimentation and dabbling. Want to try a brand-new-to-you genre or a buzzy Bookstagram book far outside your comfort zone? The barrier to entry feels much lower both money- and space-wise at the library. I am a strong proponent of DNFing (aka “did not finish”) books that I want to set aside. Take it from me: this is MUCH easier with a borrowed copy than a book I spent hard-earned cash on, staring at me from my tiny, overflowing bookcase.

The library is also a perfect way to experiment with book format. Before 2020, I had never listened to an audiobook. I loved sampling and checking out options in this new format before taking the plunge on purchasing individual audiobooks or a monthly subscription. Similarly, I received a Kindle as a college graduation present years ago, but really started using it in earnest once I started checking out e-books from the library. Just in case you haven’t heard of them, both Libby and Hoopla are awesome apps that allow you to check out e-books and audiobooks remotely. I especially love using these apps while travelling, but really, having the library’s collection accessible from the comfort of home is pretty great any day. I think all you need to sign up for both is a valid library card and email address.

One more quick point about experimentation: several librarians have shared with me over the years that it actually HELPS the library to check out lots of books (at least for physical books). Funding takes into account library usage, so there’s no need to feel guilty about checking out books that you end up DNFing or running out of time to read before the due date. This is excellent news for promoting wide-ranging reading and exploration.

Embrace the Limitation of Decisions

I feel like this point might be a harder sell, but hear me out. I have literally hundreds of books on my TBR, a list that grows in length daily as new books are released, I read amazing reviews, or I hear about exciting upcoming releases on book podcasts. One of my biggest reading problems for the past few years has simply been how to narrow down this impossibly long list to make an efficient and satisfying decision for what to pick up next. I’ve started making a short list each month of books I’m possibly interested in reading that month, based on my mood, the season, any pub day deadlines, etc. And the library is also helpful in guiding me in what to read, by simple virtue of what is currently available. If I’m interested in (and don’t already have a copy of) 10 books in February, and four are available to check out right now, that’s helped narrow down my decision right there. Of course there are times when I absolutely want to read a particular book right now, and I embrace those feelings, too. But as an indecisive, not super fast reader who’s interested in MANY books, the narrowing of the weekly decision of what to read is actually welcome at times.

And for those books that you KNOW you will want to read ASAP…

Get Your Name on the List!

The mechanics of this may vary library to library, but understanding how holds and waitlists work for your library is key to a satisfying experience, IMO. At my library, there is a website that I log onto to browse the catalog and check the due dates of my physical check-outs. Maybe a month or two before release date, upcoming books are also added to the catalog and I’m able to place a hold on the book before it even publishes. At least in my community, this is a pretty well-known feature, but I still think it cuts down on the wait time for popular physical books!

Similarly, through the Libby app, I can search for upcoming e-book and audiobook releases and press the “Notify Me” button to receive a notification when the library purchases a copy. I’ve noticed that this really makes a difference in my future wait time.

Enjoy!

Beyond access to the books themselves, I’ve had some super cool experiences at my library over the years. From volunteering at an early literacy program, to attending an amazing author talk with Brit Bennett after THE VANISHING HALF published, to receiving personal recommendations from amazing librarians, it’s a truly special place with so much to offer. I’m sure I’ve just scratched the surface with this post, and I’d love to hear your top library tips and how things work in your community!

Thank you so much for reading and wishing you a wonderful 2024!!

Emily

Current Read: This super buzzy book that I somehow missed last fall!

This post may include affiliate links, including to my Bookshop.org storefront. You know I always support checking out books from the library or buying them from your local independent bookstore, too!